Silvered bronze wine vessel reflects Han Dynasty luxury and imagination

What did ancient Chinese people use to serve wine? This bronze wine vessel with tray – crafted exclusively for the imperial court by the Western Workshop of Shu Commandery (Shujun xigong) – offer some fascinating clues.

It is entirely silvered and decorated with engraved, gilded motifs of drifting clouds, birds, beasts, deer, feathered immortals, the Queen Mother of the West, attendants, and exotic flowers. On its domed lid, three vermilion birds spread their wings. Two openwork coiled dragons biting rings decorate each side. The vessel and tray are both supported by three bear-shaped feet, inlaid with agate, turquoise, and crystal.

Unearthed from a Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) tomb in Zhangzhuangqiao village, Handan, Hebei province, a treasured masterpiece of the Handan Museum, this set is a miniature universe of the myth, craftsmanship, and imperial grandeur of nearly 2,000 years ago.